Refraction Training Manual

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR EYE HEALTH
Refraction Training
Manual
© 2006 Mr S. Mayer & International Centre for Eye Health

Contents
Page
1. Introduction 2
2. Basic Optics 3
3. Vision and Visual Acuity 9
4. Refractive Errors 12
5. Correction of Ametropia 19
6. Accommodation 20
7. Presbyopia 21
8. The Written Prescription 23
9. Neutralisation and Focimetry 24
10. Transposition 27
11. Best Sphere 29
12. Retinoscopy 30
13. The Crossed Cylinder Lens 33
14. Refraction Routine 36
15. Cycloplegia 37
16. When to Prescribe 39
17. Optical Lenses 40
18. Spectacle Dispensing 41
Refraction Training Manual 1

1. Introduction
For many of our patients, the major diagnosis will be the need for glasses. Many more
patients need to be assessed for glasses before an accurate diagnosis can be made.
The ability to refract a patient quickly and accurately must, therefore, be a great asset
in your clinic.
This manual is designed to help you understand about refractive errors, to guide you
in refracting a patient accurately, and determine what treatment the patient needs.

2. Basic Optics
Everything we see is seen because light is reflected from it. The object itself does not
produce light (unless it is a light source!). This explains why we cannot see in the dark
- there is no light to reflect from objects.
A BEAM of light consists of light RAYS, which are shown as straight lines in optical
diagrams. A beam of light can be PARALLEL, DIVERGENT or CONVERGENT. The rays
from a spot or point source of light are divergent, but if looked at from a distance may
be considered to be parallel.
Parallel Rays Convergent Rays Divergent Rays
Light can be REFLECTED or REFRACTED.
REFLECTION of light occurs from surfaces, most notably mirrors. The Law of
Reflection states that - ‘the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence’. This
means that, if a ray of light hits a mirror at a certain angle, it will bounce away at an
equal angle.
REFRACTION of light is the change of direction a ray takes when the ray passes from
one medium (e.g. air) to another medium with a different refractive index (e.g.
glass). The refractive index is a measure of how well the medium is able to bend light.
Light can be refracted by lenses or prisms which are made from transparent
materials such as glass and optical plastic.
Air Glass
Reflection Refraction

Prisms
A prism is a wedge shaped piece of glass with 3 flat surfaces at angles to each other.
One surface forms the base and the other 2 surfaces meet at the apex. The angle at
the apex is called the apical angle, and the bigger this angle is, the greater the
refracting power of the prism. Prism power is measured in Prism Dioptres.
Definition: A one Prism Dioptre lens will refract light by 1.cm over a distance of 1
metre (100 cm).
A prism will deviate light passing through

Apex
it towards the base of the prism, and an
object viewed through the lens will appear
to be displaced towards the apex of the
prism.
Base
Optical Lenses
A lens has at least one curved surface. Optical lenses normally have both surfaces
curved. Whilst a prism deviates light, a lens will focus light. Light will be refracted at
BOTH surfaces of a lens, and the amount of refraction will be related to the refractive
index and curvature of the surfaces. A higher refractive index produces more
refraction, as does steeper curvature. The power of a lens is measured in Dioptres.
Definition: A one dioptre lens will focus light at one metre (100 cm). This is
written as 1.00 DS.
The FORMULA relating POWER and FOCAL LENGTH is
P=1/f
where P is the power and f is the focal length of the lens in metres. It can also be
written
f=1/P
Thus a 1.00 DS lens has a focal length of 1 metre (100 cm) and a 10.00 DS lens has a
focal length of 0.1 metre (10 cm).
As far as we are concerned it is easier and better for us to think in centimetres rather
than metres. This makes the formula
P = 100 / f
or f = 100 / P
where f is now measured in centimetres.

This formula is vital for much of the work we do. You must be able to use it freely,
being able to convert focal length to dioptric power, and from dioptric power to focal
length.
Plano Lenses
These lenses have no refractive power (i.e. 0.00 DS).
Light entering the lens at right angles Oblique light rays will be (refracted)
are not bent, but pass straight at both surfaces and end up leaving
through the lens. the lens at the same angle.
Plano lenses can be flat or curved. Plano spectacle lenses are always
curved, and both surfaces have the same curvature.
They are not normally used, but sunglasses are generally plano. Also,
safety glasses may be plano.

Positive/Plus/Convex Lenses
(Abbreviation DS or Sph)
These CONVERGE light. They are used in

hypermetropia, presbyopia and aphakia. Low
vision devices also use this type of lens.
F
A convex lens can be thought of as two prisms
with their bases together (or apices apart).
Light is refracted towards the base. This helps us
when we consider some of the effects of lenses.
A convex lens will converge light towards a point

which is called the focal point (focus) of the lens.
The stronger the lens, the shorter is the focal
length.
F
(F = focal point of the lens)
Negative/Minus/Concave Lenses
(Abbreviation DS or Sph)
These will DIVERGE light. They are used in

myopia.
A concave lens can be thought of as two prisms F

with their bases apart or apices together. Light
is refracted towards the base of the prism.
A concave lens diverges light as if the rays are

coming from the focal point, which lies between f
the object and the lens.

Cylinders
(Abbreviation DC or Cyl)
Cylinders may be concave or convex, and both will be found in normal trial sets.
However, we will only consider minus (concave) cylinders.
Spherical lenses have the same power all over the lens surface, and bring light to a
point focus. Cylinder lenses have power in one meridian only. There are two principal
meridians on a cylinder lens, the power meridian, and the axis meridian at right
angles (90°) to the power meridian. These lenses will make a point of light appear as
a line of light at the focal point of each meridian.
power
axis
Positive/plus/convex cyl. Negative/minus/concave
cyl.
Power is in one meridian only and
this is at right angles to its axis.
An object viewed through a cyl will appear to be elongated or distorted. Cyls are used
to correct astigmatism. The axis of the cyl must be aligned with the axis of the
astigmatism in the eye if the correction is to be effective.
The correction of refractive error normally uses a combination of spherical and

cylindrical powers. This is covered in more detail later.

Optical Diagrams
For convenience, rather than drawing an eye each time we draw a ray diagram, which
is quite difficult, we use the following form of diagram -
Cornea Retina
You will note that the natural lens is not drawn. This is because we normally consider
the eye to be relaxed, or unaccommodated. However, if we consider the effect of
accommodation, the diagram would be -
Diagrammatically, we represent lenses as follows -
Positive Negative

3. Vision and Visual Acuity
We need to show the difference between visual acuity obtained with and without
glasses. The measurement of how well the eye can see detail without glasses is called
Vision (V) whilst with correction is called Visual Acuity (VA).
There are several ways that vision and visual acuity can be recorded. The system that
seems to be most commonly used is the Snellen Fraction notation. This shows two
numbers, the first (numerator) tells us the distance at which the test is done and the
second (denominator) is a measure of the eye’s standard of vision. This number
represents the distance at which a ‘normal’ eye would be able to see the letter.
Examples
• 6/6 - the test is done at 6 metres, and the patient can see the letter that
you would expect the eye to be able to see at 6 metres. Therefore, this eye
is ‘normal’.
• 6/60 - the test is again at 6 metres, but this time the patient only sees
the largest letter at 6 metres, which a ‘normal’ patient could see at 60
metres.
You should decide on which notation to use, based on that used by your colleagues,
and use this one exclusively. In this manual we will use Snellen measure in metres
and not in feet.
Table of different systems of visual acuity notation
Snellen Letters 6m Snellen Letters Decimal Notation Percentage

20ft Notation
6/6 20/20 1.0 100
6/9 20/30 0.67 67
6/12 20/40 0.5 50
6/18 20/60 0.33 33
6/24 20/80 0.25 25
6/36 20/120 0.17 17
6/60 20/200 0.1 10

Snellen Charts
This is the normal letter chart used for vision testing. They can have normal lettering,
reverse lettering (for use with a mirror), ‘illiterate E’ or numbers. Some charts have
pictures, but these are not so successful. The chart is normally designed for use at 6
metres, either directly or in a mirror.
Each eye is tested separately, with the other eye occluded. The patient reads the
letters (or indicates which way the ‘E’ is pointing) until he can read no further. Do not
assume that this is his visual acuity, however, and you must encourage him to try to
read further! Guessing must be encouraged, as you will often find that the patient can
read further. Note that you need to watch the patient to make sure they do not look
around the occluder.
Near Vision Testing

There are several charts available for near vision assessment. They are mainly ‘Times
Roman’ styles, with the letter sizes marked in N point size (e.g. N5). The Jaegar scale
may also be found in use. We normally use the ‘N’ scale.
To test near vision the patient needs to hold the book at their normal reading
distance. Do not tell the patient where this is, let them decide! This will frequently
explain their visual problems as they read too close. The normal reading distance is
between 33 and 40 cm. This will be covered in more detail later.
We always attempt to obtain N5 vision with each patient. However, N8 is the

equivalent of normal newsprint, so we are trying to obtain better vision than
necessary. If this is possible, then the normal near vision tasks are made easy and
comfortable.
Asking patients, who need to sew, to thread a needle is also a near vision test!
Other Vision Tests

With children, it is often difficult to determine vision with our normal tests. There is a
test called the Sheridan-Gardiner test which may overcome these problems. It
requires the patient to be able to match letters, without them actually having to know
what the letters are.
Problems
In all tests, vision will be affected if:
• The chart is dirty (which reduces the contrast available)
• There is poor lighting for the test
• There is a refractive error present
• If there are corneal or lenticular opacities, or retinal pathology is present
The Pinhole Disc

If poor vision is found, then use of the pinhole will show us whether the vision may be
improved with glasses. This works by reducing the blur circle caused by refractive
errors.

small
large
Pinhole blur circles

Disc
It is important, when checking vision with a pinhole, that the patient is able to see
through the pinhole to the chart!
There are a few occasions when you will find improved vision with a pinhole that will
NOT improve with glasses. They are all medical conditions:
• Lenticular opacities
• Corneal opacities or scarring
• Keratoconus
• Marfan’s Syndrome
It is possible to make a pinhole from stiff card or thin plywood. E.g.
pinhole
stiff card
handle

4. Refractive Errors
Emmetropia
This is the normal eye, having no refractive error. It is an unaccommodated eye in
which the rays of light from a distant object are focused onto the retina.
The CORNEA: This is an unchanging refractive surface with a power of about 42.00
DS.
The NATURAL CRYSTALLINE LENS: This is a variable, refractive body which can
ACCOMMODATE (focus) to increase its power. In its unaccommodated condition it
has a power of around 20.00 DS and this power increases with accommodation.
20DS
40DS
Ametropia
This is the general term applied to an eye with any refractive error, with the eye
unaccommodated. In an ametropic eye, light rays do not focus onto the retina, but
focus in front of, or behind the retina.
There are three main classes of ametropia
• Hypermetropia
• Myopia
• Astigmatism

Hypermetropia
(Hyperopia, long sight)
Rays of light are focused behind the eye, when the eye is unaccommodated. This can
be due to the eye being too short or the refractive components of the eye too weak.
Blur circle
By accommodation (focusing), objects can be brought into focus and seen clearly.
The constant effort required to maintain accommodation in hypermetropia can result

in aesthenopia (eyestrain), giving symptoms of headache, tired and aching eyes,
and even watering eyes (lacrimation).
Hypermetropia in more detail

Hypermetropia is divided into several parts, based on the ability of the eye to cope
with the refractive error.
• Total Hypermetropia is the full amount of hypermetropia
• Latent Hypermetropia is the portion of the total error which is easily

overcome by accommodation, and any attempt to correct this will result in
blurring the vision
• Facultative Hypermetropia is the portion that can be corrected by lenses, or

by accommodation
• Absolute Hypermetropia is the portion that cannot be corrected by

accommodation

Example
Let us assume that a patient has vision of 6/24. If we add positive lenses we will
reduce the remaining refractive error and improve vision.
We add + 3.00 DS and find that the vision has now improved to 6/6. We then add
more positive power to make + 5.00 DS, and the visual acuity remains at 6/6. Adding
any more positive power blurs the vision. We then do a refraction under cycloplegia
(see later) and find that the patient accepts +6.50.
Cycloplegia gives us the total hypermetropia which is therefore + 6.50 DS
The initial + 3.00 DS which improved the visual acuity corrected the absolute
hypermetropia.
The addition of power up to + 5.00 DS reveals more about the hypermetropia. This
amount is the sum of the absolute and facultative hypermetropia. Thus the facultative
hypermetropia is + 2.00 DS.
Addition of further positive power blurs the patient. The latent hypermetropia is +
1.50 DS. We calculate this by deducting the absolute and facultative from the total
hypermetropia.
Therefore, Total = Latent + Facultative + Absolute
Latent
Facultative Total
Absolute

Myopia
(Short sight)
This time rays of light are focused in front of the retina, whether or not the eye is
accommodating. In fact, accommodation will result in even more blurring. Myopia is
due to either the eye being too long or the refractive components too strong.
Blur Circle
Astigmatism
Astigmatism - Regular
Here, the eye has a different refractive power in different meridians of the eye - this
means that the eye is not spherical. For example, vertical rays entering the eye may
be focused behind the retina while horizontal rays focus in front of the retina. The two
meridians are always at right angles (90°) to each other in regular astigmatism. This
type of astigmatism is correctable with cylinders.
Between the two focal points there is the circle of least confusion or blur circle.
This is the position that gives the least blurring of vision for the eye.

There are several categories of astigmatism:
• 'With the rule’ where the stronger refracting meridian is vertical and the
weaker horizontal. The minus cyl axis is at about 180°
• ‘Against the rule’ where the stronger meridian is in the horizontal. The minus
cyl axis is at about 90°
• Oblique astigmatism, where the axes are around 45° and 135°
Oblique astigmatism has a greater effect on vision than with or against the rule. It is
also necessary to prescribe for oblique astigmatism carefully as the distortion caused
can be more difficult to adapt to.
Each of these, when combined with a spherical element, can also be sub-divided into
5 groups:
• Compound myopic - both meridians are myopic
• Simple myopic - one meridian is plano, the other myopic
• Mixed - one meridian is hypermetropic, the other is myopic
• Simple hypermetropic - one meridian is plano, the other hypermetropic
• Compound hypermetropic - both meridians are hypermetropic
Astigmatism may be due to:
• Corneal - the corneal surface, which has a refractive power of about 42.00 D,
may not be spherical and has radius of curvature which is greater in one
meridian than the other
• Lenticular - due to the lens tilting within the eye. This is normally a maximum
of 0.50 DC and is against the rule
Frequency of astigmatic corrections.
• With the rule 80%
• Against the rule 10%
• Oblique Astigmatism 10%

Astigmatism - Irregular
This is normally due to a medical condition such as keratoconus, pterygium, intra-
orbital space occupying lesion, etc. These conditions should be referred.
Ray Diagrams for Astigmatism

Simple Myopic Astigmatism - One meridian is focused in front of the retina, the
other on the retina.
Simple Hypermetropic Astigmatism - One meridian is focused behind the retina,

the other on the retina.
Compound Myopic Astigmatism - Both meridians are focused in front of the retina.

Compound Hypermetropic Astigmatism - Both meridians are focused behind the
retina.
Mixed Astigmatism - One meridian is focused in front of the retina, the other
behind.

5. Correction of Ametropia
Myopia
• Light from infinity is focused in front of the retina.
• Light from the far point is naturally focused onto the retina.
• Therefore, we want to provide a spectacle lens that will make light from infinity
appear to come from the far point. By doing this we correct the refractive error.
In myopia we need to use negative lenses.
FP
Hypermetropia
• Light from infinity is focused behind the retina.
• Light from the far point is naturally focused onto the retina.
• Therefore, we, again, want to provide a spectacle lens that will make light from
infinity appear to come from the far point. In hypermetropia we need to use
positive lenses.
FP
Astigmatism
Here we need to use a sphere and cyl combination to correct both principal meridians
to make light from infinity appear to come from the respective far points.

6. Accommodation
Accommodation is the process in which the eye focuses onto an object. When we want
to look at a close object we must accommodate or change the focus of the eyes in
order to see clearly.
What happens in the eye when we accommodate is, the ciliary muscle contracts which
allows the zonules attached to the lens to relax and the elastic lens capsule can then
increase its curvature. This makes the lens more powerful and shortens its focal
length.
The ability to accommodate, therefore, depends largely upon the elasticity of the lens
capsule and the lens itself. As we get older, this elasticity decreases and thus our
accommodative ability reduces. This follows a normal pattern which is shown in the
graph.
Graph showing minimum amplitude of accommodation vs. age
Dioptres The line drawn at 3.50 DS

12
indicates the average age at which
reading problems should be
evident. It has been found that
10
African races in hot climates have
lower amplitudes of
8 accommodation than Caucasians in
temperate climates.
6
In the graph we compare
amplitude of accommodation to
4 age. The amplitude of
accommodation is the maximum
2 amount of accommodation that
can be exerted, and is measured in
0 Age dioptres. This is normally done
0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 when the eye is fully corrected for
distance, and we then measure the
nearest point that the patient can accommodate to.
As you can see from the graph, children and young adults have high amplitudes of
accommodation and can focus easily on objects at any distance. However, as we get
older, that ability reduces, and we find it more difficult to focus on near objects. When
this affects our near vision this is known as presbyopia (‘old sight’).
When we are refracting children we need to be careful to make sure the patient is not
accommodating as this will affect our results. It may be necessary to use a cycloplegic
drug to paralyse accommodation before an accurate result can be obtained. This is
covered later in the manual.
Also, it is only possible to sustain the use of half to two thirds of the accommodative
ability available. This means that, even if a patient has the ability to accommodate on
close work, if he is using more than the comfortable amount, he will have symptoms
of eye strain.

7. Presbyopia
This is the reduction in amplitude of accommodation with advancing age, and is
caused by hardening of the crystalline lens. The patient will complain of close work
difficulties, particularly with seeing small detail and in poor lighting. This will affect
reading, sewing, knitting, etc.
In myopes, this problem is delayed if the patient removes their glasses as he is

naturally focused up close.
In temperate climates, presbyopia is expected in the early to mid 40’s. However, in

Africa the problem occurs earlier, normally around the age of 40. Some people believe
that presbyopia starts earlier than this, but the reading problems that occur before
the age of 40 are more likely to be due to photophobia than by genuine presbyopia,
and sunglasses should be advised as the first choice treatment. These can be
purchased throughout Africa from the hawkers!
Presbyopia is corrected by use of simple positive spherical lenses on top of the

distance prescription. This is known as the reading addition or add. In doing this we
effectively make the eye myopic, so we will prevent the patient seeing in the distance
when wearing the reading glasses. Remember, although the patient may not read,
they may still need glasses for close work such as sewing or knitting.
When prescribing for presbyopia, we want to allow the patient to use their remaining
accommodation. Thus, we only give them the minimum amount of reading add in
order for the patient to be able to perform their near tasks.
As a rough guide, the following applies:
Age Near Addition
40 to 45 +1.00 to + 1.50
45 to 50 +1.50 to + 2.00
50 to 55 +2.00 to + 2.50
55 upwards +2.50 to + 2.75
Aphakes +2.75 to + 3.00
However, the most important consideration in determining the reading addition is the
requirements of the patient - how near do they have to work and what close work
tasks do they have to perform.
Remember that the reading addition is added to the power required for distance. Thus
a + 2.00 DS hypermetrope aged 50 will probably need + 4.00 DS in his reading
glasses. Also, a 50 year old - 3.00 DS myope will need - 1.00 DS glasses for reading,
but could read at 33 cm without glasses!
Consider what a 40 year old - 1.00 DS myope will need for reading. The reading add
will be + 1.00 DS. This means that the reading power would be plano and the patient
will be able to read without any glasses.
A presbyope should only need a change in reading addition every 4 to 5 years and
then it will be a change of +0.50 DS only.

Spectacle Corrections for Presbyopia
A correction for reading can be made up in two distinct ways - single vision reading
spectacles or bifocals. There are several considerations that need to be made
before prescribing either of these.
1. Amount of distance and reading corrections - are they worth giving?
2. Improvement in visual acuity - is it enough to be worth giving glasses?
3. What does the patient need to do - are bifocals more suitable or single vision?
4. What does the patient want?
5. What can the patient afford?
6. What is practically available (maybe certain lens types are not available locally)
Bifocals should be avoided when distance prescription is large. If there is a large

difference between the refractive error of the 2 eyes bifocals may not be successful
unless there is a big difference in visual acuity between the two eyes.

8. The Written Prescription
There is a standard way of writing a prescription in order to prevent confusion. The
prescription for the right eye is always written first.
Sph Cyl Axis Prism Base Reading add
R) +2.00 / -1.00 × 90 1.0 OUT +2.50
L) +2.50 / -2.00 × 110 1.0 OUT +2.50
The reading add can be written underneath the distance prescription. The add is
normally the same for each eye. The main exception to this is in monocular aphakia
when the aphakic eye will normally have a larger add than the phakic eye.
Prisms are prescribed according to their power and the direction of the base (IN, OUT,
UP, DOWN). We will not be covering how to prescribe for prism in this manual.
The cylinder axis is placed at a specific angle. This is measured in degrees, but the
degree sign is not written as it can be mistaken for a zero (0). The trial frame has a
protractor scale from which we can determine the axis.
90 90
135 45 135 45
180 0 180 0
Trial frame right eye Trial frame left eye
The spoken prescription!

There is a system for speaking the prescription too! Get used to it as, again, it will
avoid confusion.
Examples
+ 0.25: plus owe (0) two five - 1.50: minus one fifty
+ 0.50: plus owe fifty - 2.25: minus two two five
+ 0.75: plus owe seven five + 10.00: plus ten
+ 1.00: plus one - 10.50: minus ten fifty
The decimal point is never mentioned.

9. Neutralisation and Focimetry
There are several ways available to determine the power of a lens. A focimeter (or
lensmeter) may not always be available, but you should have your trial lenses
available. It is possible to get a good idea of the power by using these.
Hand Neutralisation
If you look at an object through a lens and move the lens, the object will appear to
move. If the lens is convex (positive) the object will appear to move in the opposite
direction to the movement of the lens. This is called an against movement. If you
look at an object through a concave (negative) lens the movement appears to move
in the same direction, and this is known as a with movement. This will allow us to
tell, by a quick check on the glasses, if the patient is hypermetropic or myopic.
If you place a pair of lenses together of equal, but opposite, powers there will be no
movement of the object viewed as the net power is plano. These lenses have
neutralised each other.
Therefore using a combination of lenses to neutralise the movement of the object, it is

possible to determine what the unknown lens power is.
Technique
To find the power (or prescription) of a lens we use trial lenses and an object to view.
The best object is a cross as this allows us to assess astigmatic corrections.
1. Hold the lens so that the crossed lines can be seen, and move the lens, noting the
direction of movement.
• WITH = MINUS LENS
• AGAINST = PLUS LENS
2. Rotate the lens. If the lines appear to twist, or ‘scissor’, then there is an astigmatic
element to the lens power.
3. If there is a with movement, then this is a minus lens and needs to be neutralised
with a plus lens; if against then a minus lens is needed to neutralise.
4. Select a trial lens and hold it against the lens and assess the movement. If there is
no movement then the lens is neutralised, and the power is equal to, but of the
opposite sign to the trial lens.
5. If, when neutralising, there is a remaining movement, then another trial lens is
needed. Consider the remaining movement and select an appropriate trial lens to
proceed with.
6. If there is astigmatism, then rotate the lens until the cross lines run through the
lens continuously, vertically and horizontally. Keep the lens at this angle and move
the lens along each line in turn. The movement will be different in each direction.
7. Neutralise all with movement first (or, if both are against, the smaller with
movement). This will leave an against movement in the other meridian, and this
meridian is the axis of the cylinder.
8. Neutralise the remaining meridian (against movement) with a minus sphere. This
second lens will be equal but opposite in power to the cylinder power in the lens

Always remember that the lens that is used to neutralise is opposite in power to the
one you are measuring, but of the same size.
Focimetry
A focimeter or lensmeter is an instrument which is used to measure the power of a

lens. It is much more accurate than neutralisation, but not always available to use.
The sphere and cyl powers can be measured, the axis determined, and the optical
centre of the lens found. It is also possible to measure the bifocal addition on most
lenses. There are 2 types of target in focimeters, but both use the same principles.
Note: Before trying to measure any lenses with a focimeter, the eye piece MUST
be focused for you to see clearly. This is done by setting the machine to read
plano, and then adjusting the eyepiece so that the target and graticule markings
in the focimeter are in focus.
European dot target
A spherical lens will simply blur the dots, and adjusting the power dial will bring them
into sharp focus. The power can now be read and noted.
If there is cylinder power, the dots are blurred into lines which can be brought into 2
foci. The most positive (or least negative) is the spherical power, and the
difference between the 2 powers is the cyl power. The axis is the axis for the
more negative power reading. We will normally record lens powers in MINUS CYL
FORM.
American crossed line target

This has two, crossed lines, instead of the circle of dots, which can be rotated through
180° so that we can determine cylinder axis. Again, a spherical lens will simply blur
the target and can be corrected easily.
The technique is the same for both machines.
1. Place the lens in the lensmeter, and adjust the dioptre scale until it shows a well
focused target (spherical lens) or until one meridian is clearly in focus (astigmatic
lens) and note the power and axis. On the American system, the cylinder wheel
needs to be adjusted so that the astigmatic lines are aligned.
2. Refocus to obtain the second set of lines (at 90 to the first axis) and note the
power and axis again.
3. To calculate the sphero-cyl power in negative cyl form, select the more
positive/less negative power as your sphere.
4. Calculate the difference between the main powers (take the sphere power from the
other) remembering the power signs - this is the cylinder power. Be very careful
with the maths doing this.
5. The axis is the one found with the second power (not the one selected as the
sphere).

Example
+ 1.00 × 90 and + 3.00 × 180

The second power is the more positive and is therefore chosen as the sphere power.
The difference between the powers is + 1.00 - (+ 3.00) = - 2.00. The axis is taken
from the second, less positive power. In this case it is 90. Therefore the sphero-cyl
power is + 3.00 / - 2.00 x 9
Example
+ 1.50 × 60 and - 2.50 × 150

The first power is the more positive and is therefore chosen as the sphere power. The
difference between the powers is - 2.50 - (+ 1.50) = - 4.00. The axis is taken from
the second, less positive power. In this case it is 150. Therefore the sphero-cyl power
is + 1.50 / - 4.00 x 15
Questions
1. + 2.50 × 65 and + 1.00 × 155 =
2. + 1.50 × 85 and - 1.00 × 175 =
3. - 3.75 × 45 and - 1.00 × 135 =
4. plano × 90 and + 1.75 × 180 =
5. - 0.25 × 10 and + 1.50 × 100 =
6. + 6.00 × 90 and - 1.00 × 180 =
7. + 10.00 × 80 and + 12.00 × 170 =
8. - 1.75 × 180 and plano × 90 =
9. + 3.00 × 125 and -3.00 × 35 =
10.- 4.75 × 25 and plano × 115 =
(Answers on page 42)
Note! The power of a lens can be written in three different ways
+ 1.00 × 90 / + 2.00 × 180 - Crossed cylinder form
+ 1.00 DS / + 1.00 × 180 - Plus cylinder form
+ 2.00 DS / - 1.00 × 90 - Minus cylinder form
These are all the same power! The focimeter works with crossed cylinder form,
and we should work with minus cylinder form.

10. Transposition
The prescription for a lens can be written in several different forms. We will consider
the two most commonly used forms: the PLUS CYLINDER form and the MINUS
CYLINDER form.
For both forms the lens is effectively the same, but the written form looks very
different. To transpose from one form to the other -
1. The cylinder POWER stays the same.
2. The cylinder SIGN always changes.
3. The cylinder axis always changes by 90 (if less than 90 add 90, or more than
90 subtract 90 to give an axis between 1 and 180 inclusive).
4. ADD the old sphere power and the old cyl power (always remembering the
signs) to obtain the new sphere power.
Examples
• + 1.00 / + 3.00 × 90 = + 4.00 / - 3.00 × 180
• + 5.00 / - 1.00 × 75 = + 4.00 / + 1.00 × 165
• - 6.00 / + 2.50 × 125 = - 3.50 / - 2.50 × 35
• - 3.00 / - 1.25 × 20 = - 4.25 / + 1.25 × 110
• + 2.00 / - 4.00 × 180 = - 2.00 / + 4.00 × 90
• - 1.50 / + 3.50 × 45 = + 2.00 / - 3.50
Questions
1. + 2.50 / - 1.50 × 40 =
2. + 6.00 / + 2.50 × 130 =
3. - 1.00 / + 2.00 × 55 =
4. - 3.00 / - 2.25 × 175 =
5. + 5.00 / - 4.25 × 95 =
6. + 2.25 / - 2.25 × 160 =
(Answers on page 42)
Spherical Equivalent
1. There are several reasons why we will not prescribe toric lenses.
2. This manual is not designed to teach you to refract for astigmatism very
accurately. All we require from you is recognition of the presence of astigmatism.
If the spherical equivalent gives good enough vision, you should prescribe this.
3. Many patients cannot tolerate cylindrical prescriptions, and experience is needed to

be able to prescribe it successfully.
4. The costs involved for the patient in having toric lenses is high, and the lenses are
not always readily available, so we should avoid prescribing them unless they are
of sufficient benefit to the patient.

Spherical equivalent power is calculated from the sphere and cylinder powers. The
resulting sphere should be tried subjectively to make sure that the patient is getting
the best possible spherical correction.
A spherical equivalent must, obviously, obtain an improvement in vision over the

unaided acuity! It may well produce worse acuity than the full prescription including
the cyl.
RULE: Add half the cylinder power to the sphere power.
If we use the examples from above -
Sphero-cyl Spherical equivalent
+ 1.00 / + 3.00 × 90 + 2.50
+ 1.00 + half ( + 3.00) = + 1.00 + 1.50 = + 2.50
+ 5.00 / -1.00 × 75 + 4.50
- 6.00 / + 2.50 × 125 - 4.75
- 3.00 / -1.25 × 20 - 3.50 or -3.75
+ 2.00 / -4.00 × 180 plano
- 1.50 / + 3.50 × 45 + 0.25
Questions (as page 26)
Answers on page 42.

11. Best Sphere
This is a subjective technique which is used to improve the prescription after
retinoscopy and also can be used when the retinoscope is not available or when the
retinoscope reflex is so poor that retinoscopy is impossible.
The best sphere lens is the spherical lens that focuses light onto the retina. In
astigmatism, it is the circle of least confusion that is on the retina. (It is also the
spherical equivalent of the prescription).
The best sphere is the maximum plus (or minimum minus) power lens which gives the
best possible visual acuity. It is found by increasing the plus power until vision
becomes worse, or adding minus power until the vision does not get better.
It is important to ask questions which offer a simple choice of answers. For example:
• Are the letters better with or without this lens?
• Are the letters clearer with or without the lens?
• Is this lens the same or less clear / worse? (plus lens)
• Is this lens the same or more clear / better? (minus lens)
Remember, we want to prevent the patient having to accommodate. We therefore

give the maximum plus or minimum minus.
To find the best sphere, firstly consider the vision. If this is good, start by using a +
0.50 DS lens. If this is the same, leave this in place and keep adding more + 0.50 DS
until the patient reports that the lens makes vision worse. If the vision is poor, then a
power larger than + 0.50 DS should be used.
If positive lenses make the vision worse immediately, then the patient may be myopic
and minus lenses should be used to improve vision in a similar way to that described
above for plus lenses.
When you think you have found the best sphere you need to check that you have not
over-corrected the patient. If hypermetropic, addition of - 0.50 DS should not
make vision better (the patient should report that this is the same). If
myopic, then addition of + 0.50 should make vision worse.
If the patient is uncertain of an answer it often means that there is little difference
(answer = same)!
Blur Test
The + 1.00 blur test is a simple and quick screening test for low hyperopia, and also a
check to ensure that you have given the correct prescription.
By placing a + 1.00 DS lens in front of the patient, their visual acuity should reduce
by at least 2 or 3 lines on the chart. If there is less reduction in acuity, you must re-
check the prescription.

12. Retinoscopy
The retinoscope is the most important tool in refraction. It is invaluable in allowing us
to assess the refractive state of the eye with little, or no, co-operation from the
patient. We call this an objective method (as opposed to a subjective method where
we depend on the patient to give accurate answers to our questions!).
The retinoscope is relatively inexpensive and portable, and it can be used on all types
of patients. In the hands of an experienced user it may be the only way of getting a
result, particularly with young children.
There are essentially two types of retinoscope - the spot and the streak. The spot, as
the name suggests, projects a spot of light which can normally be focused to produce
a smaller, but brighter beam. The streak projects a rectangular patch of light onto the
patient’s retina and this can be focused to a thin line of light. The patch can also be
rotated through 360°.
Of course, the retinoscope only works if there are batteries in it and the bulb is
working. Get used to the retinoscope, know how to change the batteries and, most
importantly, the bulb!
When the light is shone into the patient’s eye some of the light is reflected out of the
eye and this you will see. This is called the retinoscopic reflex (or ret reflex). When
the light is passed over the eye, the reflex will be seen to move. This movement helps
us to assess the patients refractive error. The movement can be with
(hypermetropia), against (myopia) or ‘scissor’ (astigmatism), or no movement
(emmetropia) will be seen. This direction of movement is a guide to refractive error.
Also, if there are different movements in different meridians this is astigmatism.
The relative speed of movement of the reflex is also useful in determining refraction -
the slower the movement, the higher the refractive error. The speed of movement
does not depend on the speed of movement of the retinoscope, but is related to that
movement.
The brightness of the reflex gives some information too. If the reflex is dull, then a
high refractive error is present.
Thus we need to consider, when examining a ret reflex, the following four
characteristics.
• Direction - is it with or against?
• Brightness - is it bright or dull?
• Speed - is it fast or slow?
• Is the movement the same in all meridians?
A with movement is corrected with a positive lens.
An against movement is corrected with a negative lens.
Scissors movement is corrected with a combination of spherical and cylindrical

lenses, with the cyl axis aligned correctly.

Basic Principles
Retinoscopy is done at arms length from the patient, around 50 to 66 cm. This is
known as the working distance and is used for convenience and accuracy.
The aim of retinoscopy is to find the lens that will stop the ret reflex moving. This is
done by adding lenses to make the reflex brighter, move faster, and, ultimately, stop
(or neutralise) the movement. This point is known as the end point or point of
reversal. To do this the patient must look at distant object (to prevent
accommodation) and retinoscopy must be performed as close as possible to the
patient’s visual axis.
At the end point, the patient’s eye is focused on the retinoscope - in other words the
patient is now myopic.
The working distance is now of importance as we can calculate how myopic the
patient is. Using the formula P = 100 / f we know that, if the working distance is 66
cm, we need a 1.50 DS lens. Likewise, if the working distance is 50 cm, the working
distance lens will be 2.00 DS. This is the working distance lens, and we need to
subtract this from our result.
Clinical Retinoscopy
1. Place your working distance lens (‘retinoscopy lens’) in the trial frame.
2. Before testing an eye, the other eye MUST be blurred to prevent accommodation.
This only takes a few seconds as the movement in all meridians must be against
in this eye - add positive sphere until this is the case.
3. In a darkened room, assess the ret reflex horizontally, vertically and then each
diagonal.
4. If ‘with’ movement is seen, add plus sphere until all with movement is removed. If
‘against’ movement is seen, add minus sphere until you just see a ‘with’ movement
in one meridian.
5. In clinical practice, a ‘with’ movement is seen more easily than an ‘against’. The
end point is almost impossible to recognise. Thus, the end point is found when
adding + 0.25 produces an ‘against’ movement and addition of - 0.25 produces a
‘with’ movement. Alternatively, moving slightly closer to the patient (shortening
your working distance) should produce a ‘with’ movement, and moving away
should produce an ‘against’ movement. You should always obtain this reversal
as proof that you have reached and passed the end point/point of
reversal.
6. If the reflex is the same in all meridians we have reached the end of the
retinoscopy routine for this eye when the point of reversal is found. If there is
astigmatism, however, we need to correct the more positive/least negative
meridian with a sphere, leaving the other meridian with an ‘against’ movement
(i.e. simple myopic astigmatism). Note the axis of the against movement as this is
the axis of the astigmatism.
7. With astigmatism, we now need to correct the cylinder element of the prescription.
This ‘against’ movement should now be neutralised using a minus cylinder lens,
leaving the sphere in place.

8. You should now have in the trial frame the working distance lens, a sphere and a
cyl. Check the reflex in all meridians to ensure that all astigmatism has been
corrected and that there are no remaining movements. The cyl axis may need to
be modified.
9. Repeat the procedure for the other eye.
10.Remove the working distance lenses from the trial frame and proceed to subjective
refinement of the prescription.
THINK
Is the movement with or against?
• If the movement is WITH, add a POSITIVE lens
• If the movement is AGAINST, add a NEGATIVE lens
Is the reflex bright or dull?
• If the reflex is dull, then start with a relatively large power
• If bright a smaller power can be used
Is the movement fast or slow?
• If the movement is fast, then a smaller lens power should be used
• If slower, a larger power should be used
Is the movement the same in all meridians?
• Astigmatism!
Note: The decision of which power to use is a matter of experience and guess-
work!

13. The Crossed Cylinder Lens
A crossed cylinder (cross-cyl, or x-cyl) lens is used to find, subjectively, the
astigmatic component of a patient’s prescription. This will be after retinoscopy is done
or best sphere is determined.
The cross-cyl lens is mounted in a rim with a handle. The lens is formed from a plus
cyl at right angles to a minus cyl of equal power. The axis of a cross cyl is at 45° to
the axes of the cyls, and this is in line with the handle. The axes of the cyls are
marked, and normally engraved with their powers.
+ 0.25
- 0.25
Figure: The Jackson Crossed Cylinder.

The markings refer to the axes of the cylinders. This is a +/- 0.25 x-cyl.
Cross cyls are available in powers of +/- 0.25, +/- 0.50 and +/-1.00.
A +/- 0.50 cross cyl has the following power
• + 0.50 DC / - 0.50 DC
• + 0.50 DS / -1.00 DC
• - 0.50 DS / + 1.00 DC
These are all the same power!
What is the spherical equivalent of a +/- 0.50 cross-cyl?
(Answer on page 42)

Crossed Cylinder Technique
The technique is very simple and quick, but very hard to describe so the following text
will make it look far worse than it actually is! We are mainly concerned with the minus
axis in refraction.
Technique for axis

After retinoscopy we need to check the power and axis of the astigmatism found. This
is done in a systematic way, as follows:
1. The patient should have one eye occluded (or blurred), and asked to look at a
suitable target letter - rounded letters (O, U, C) are better than ones with
horizontal and vertical lines (H, T, E). The 6/12 or 6/18 letter should be used, if
the patient is able to see these letters clearly.
2. The sphere should be reduced by 0.50 DS (add - 0.50 DS) to allow some
accommodation for this test.
3. Place the cross cyl with the handle in line with the axis line of the cylinder lens
and rotate the x-cyl about its axis, asking the patient whether he sees the target
more clearly with the first position or the second. (Question: Is the letter more
clear with lens 1 or lens 2)
4. Move the axis of the trial lens towards the better position of the minus axis on the
x-cyl. This should be about 20° movement first time, and reduced as the axis is
refined.
5. Repeat the process, always making sure that the handle is lined up with the axis
line of the cylinder lens.
6. When the patient reports that there is no difference between the two positions (or
you are back where you started!) you have now found the axis. NOTE IT DOWN!
Technique for power

1. This time you need to line up the power markings on the x-cyl lens with the axis
line of the cylinder lens. Twirl the lens as before and note if the plus or minus axis
is the clearer position.
• If PLUS is better, reduce the cylinder power
• If MINUS is better, increase the cylinder power
2. As the cyl power is altered, so too must the sphere power in order to maintain the
same spherical equivalent, e.g. if the cylinder power is increased by - 1.00 DC, you
need to add + 0.50 to maintain the spherical equivalent
3. Check the VA. How does it compare to the retinoscopy VA?
4. Repeat for the other eye.
If retinoscopy has not been possible, the x-cyl can still be used after best sphere has
been found.
1. Find best sphere. Add - 0.50 to allow some accommodation.
2. Twirl the x-cyl about 90°/180°. If neither position is better, try at 45°/135°. If
none of these are better then there is no astigmatism.

3. If one position is better then place a - 1.00 DC at that axis. Then check the axis
and power as before.
Remember
To use the x-cyl successfully, you need to hold the x-cyl firmly, supporting your hand
or arm to keep the lens steady.
Question the patient clearly - Which is more clear - number 1 or number 2? (or
any suitable question). It is often useful to alter the number as the patient will often
keep replying with the same number each time!
• Select a suitable fixation target for the patient
• To check the cylinder axis, you must place the x-cyl handle in line with the axis
line of the trial lens
• To check the power, the power markings on the x-cyl must be lined up with the
axis line of the cylinder lens
Depending on what you are checking, you must always orientate the crossed-cylinder
lens so that it is in line with the axis of the trial lens

14. Refraction Routine
In order to assess a patient quickly and efficiently you will need to follow a systematic
approach to refraction, so that you cover all the necessary tests in a logical order, and
not repeat tests unnecessarily. We will, obviously, only be concentrating on the
refraction aspects of your work, and you will need to sort out how this is added to
your system for the general eye work.
Firstly, write everything down on the patient’s record card for future reference as well
as to prevent the need to repeat tests unnecessarily. By keeping a thorough record of
your findings you are able to tell whether or not the patient is improving with the
treatment you are giving.
1. Record vision and visual acuity with current distance spectacles, monocularly.
2. Symptoms - question the patient and record the symptoms. Assess the
symptoms - are glasses likely to help?
3. Measure and record the patient’s pupillary distance (PD). Adjust the trial frame to
fit the patient properly.
4. Retinoscopy - use clean trial lenses!
5. Record your result and check the visual acuity monocularly.
6. Adjust the spherical power subjectively to obtain best possible visual acuity,
using maximum plus (or minimum minus).
7. Use x-cyl to refine the cylindrical power and axis.
8. Record subjective refraction result and VA.
9. Check spherical equivalent subjectively and record VA with this lens.
11. Uncover both eyes and check binocular VA - this is often a line better than
monocularly.
12. Assess near vision ability. Is there presbyopia? If so, prescribe an appropriate
reading addition.
13. Write out final prescription, and explain your findings and recommendations.

15. Cycloplegia
There are many drugs used in eye work. In refraction we are only concerned with
cycloplegics.
Our main aim of using a cycloplegic is to prevent accommodation. There are several
choices - atropine, homatropine, cyclopentolate, hyoscine and tropicamide - so which
is most suitable for our needs in refraction?
We need a drug which will:
• Have rapid onset (act quickly)
• Be short acting
• Achieve maximum cycloplegia
• Be non-toxic
• Be readily available and cheap
Cyclopentolate is, actually, the most suitable of all the choices. Cycloplegia is
sufficient after 20 minutes, the effects last 5 to 6 hours, and there is sufficient amount
of action. It is relatively non-toxic, although there can be some adverse reactions to
it.
Atropine is still used, but the effects last too long and it is far too toxic to be of safe
use.
Cyclopentolate
To obtain good cycloplegia for refraction, we will normally use a 1% solution and instil
one drop in each eye, repeated five minutes later. At least 20 minutes should be
allowed before carrying out the refraction
There are a few side effects of cyclopentolate which are unhelpful. The main problem
is the mydriasis which reveals peripheral distortions in the reflex. The central portion
of the reflex is what we need to consider. Also, the cycloplegia will wear off within
about 6 hours, but the mydriasis lasts for around 24 hours, which makes the patient
light sensitive. The patient needs to be advised about this.

Uses of Cycloplegia
The patient will, generally, not thank you for giving them a cycloplegic! So, why is it
important to use it?
The main patients who need cyclopentolate are the young, uncooperative ones.
Remember that the patient needs to look in the distance whilst you do retinoscopy.
Children are not going to co-operate so well! I suggest that, if the patient is not
cooperating, use cyclopentolate.
There is some discussion as to how much of the cycloplegic correction should be

given, as the muscle tonus around the lens may be affected. I consider that it is
unnecessary to modify the result for young children as their world is close to them
and not far away. However, some people will reduce the prescription by 0.50 DS or
even 1.00 DS. For atropine refractions, allowance does need to be made. Again,
opinion varies. I suggest allowing 1.00 DS, or better still, don’t use atropine for
refractions!
If there is a convergent squint then cyclopentolate MUST be used to find the full
refractive error as the squint may be due to high hypermetropia. The full correction
should be given in these cases.
As the patient gets older there is much less need to use cyclopentolate, and there are,
indeed, good reasons NOT to. As cyclopentolate dilates the pupil, it is possible that the
drainage route for aqueous can be blocked causing an increase in the intraocular
pressure - i.e. you could give them an attack of acute glaucoma.
Note
It is often necessary to maintain your own supply of cyclopentolate. It should be
available locally, or you may need to order it. Some pharmacies will sell it under
a ‘trade name’, but the ingredients will always include cyclopentolate.

16. When to Prescribe
• We have touched on this subject already. Glasses are not necessarily the best
treatment for a patient. Always bear in mind that the glasses must be of sufficient
benefit to the patient to be worth the money spent on them. Do not give glasses to
satisfy a patient’s demands unless they will help anyway.
• Low hyperopes, especially the young, can cope without glasses as they can easily
accommodate to overcome the error. Certainly + 0.25 and + 0.50 (and perhaps
even + 0.75) should not be prescribed.
• Remember that low myopes will survive without reading glasses, and - 0.25 (and
even - 0.50) should not be prescribed.
• Remember that a person who does not read does not need reading glasses, but
may need glasses for sewing, knitting, sorting rice, etc.
• Do not encourage people to have bifocals if their distance prescription is small.
• If the astigmatic element is high, and spherical equivalent is not satisfactory, then
refer. Warn the patient first that these glasses will be more expensive, otherwise
the referral may be a waste of time.
• If you obtain less than one line improvement in vision there is no real benefit in
prescribing new glasses.
• Aim for 6/9 or better.

17. Optical Lenses
Lenses are available in glass and plastic. Plastic lenses scratch too easily and should
be avoided. Glass lenses are heavier and more fragile, but will last much longer than
plastic. In time the situation may change, as optical plastic is now much more
resistant to scratching and can be coated to improve this further, but this is
expensive. Photochromic lenses are always made in glass and are more expensive
than ordinary, ‘white’ glass. This is the best way of tinting lenses as the tint is in,
rather than coated onto, the lens. In other words, you cannot tint a white glass lens.
The following lens powers are standard in CBM optical workshops in white glass only.
+/- 1.00 +/- 1.50 +/- 2.00 +/- 2.50
+/- 3.00 +/- 3.50 + 9.00 + 10.00
+ 11.00 + 12.00 + 13.00 + 14.00
Ordering outside this range will lead to delays in the return of the order and also
increased expense for the patient as these lenses will have to be ordered specially.
Frames
Some optical workshops supply a standard frame which comes in a range of sizes. The
CBM standard frame is the PS 80 and is available in several sizes and colours, ranging
from 40 to 52 mm eye size and several bridge sizes. The colours are smoke (grey),
tan (brown), lilac and champagne (yellow). Smoke and tan are the most popular
colours in Africa.

18. Spectacle Dispensing
• It is very important to select a suitable size of frame for the patient. The PS 80
frame (CBM standard) comes in several sizes to help manage this.
• You must always state the patient’s pupillary distance (PD) and near centration
distance (CD, otherwise called the near PD) on the order. Although this is not
normally a problem, in higher powers and bifocals it is essential.
• Choice of lens is fairly limited, but you need to know the advantages and
disadvantages of bifocals, in order to offer the patient the best possible correction.
• The side length needs to be adjusted to make the glasses fit the patient on
collection.
• Order writing MUST be clear. Remember the correct notation.
• Avoid large frames if the prescription is big as the glasses will be heavy and the
lenses much thicker.
• If a patient has two pairs of glasses (distance and reading) it is useful to supply
different colour frames to help identify what the glasses are for.

Answers to Questions
Neutralisation (from page 26)
1. + 2.50 × 65 and + 1.00 × 155 = + 2.50 / - 1.50 x 155
2. + 1.50 × 85 and - 1.00 × 175 = + 1.50 / - 2.50 x 175
3. - 3.75 × 45 and - 1.00 × 135 = - 1.00 / - 1.75 x 45
4. plano × 90 and + 1.75 × 180 = + 1.75 / - 1.75 x 90
5. - 0.25 × 10 and + 1.50 × 100 = + 1.50 / - 1.75 x 10
6. + 6.00 × 90 and - 1.00 × 180 = + 6.00 / - 7.00 x 180
7. + 10.00 × 80 and + 12.00 × 170 = + 12.00 / - 2.00 x 80
8. - 1.75 × 180 and plano × 90 = plano / - 1.75 x 180
9. + 3.00 × 125 and - 3.00 × 35 = + 3.00 / - 6.00 x 35
10. - 4.75 × 25 and plano × 115 = plano / - 4.75 x 25
Transposition (from page 27)
1. + 2.50 / - 1.50 × 40 = + 1.00 / +1.50 x 130
2. + 6.00 / + 2.50 × 130 = + 8.50 / 2.50 x 40
3. - 1.00 / + 2.00 × 55 = + 1.00 / - 2.00 x 145
4. - 3.00 / - 2.25 × 175 = - 5.25 / + 2.25 x 85
5. + 5.00 / - 4.25 × 95 = + 0.75 / + 4.25 x 5
6. + 2.25 / - 2.25 × 160 = plano / + 2.25 x 70
Spherical Equivalent (from page 28)
1. + 2.50 / - 1.50 × 40 = + 1.75
2. + 6.00 / + 2.50 × 130 = + 7.25
3. - 1.00 / + 2.00 × 55 = plano
4. - 3.00 / - 2.25 × 175 = - 4.00 or - 4.25
5. + 5.00 / - 4.25 × 95 = + 3.00 or + 2.75
6. + 2.25 / - 2.25 × 160 = + 1.25 or + 1.00
The Crossed Cylinder Lens (from page 33)
Spherical equivalent of a crossed cylinder lens = plano!

Acknowledgements
The Refraction Training Manual was developed in 1995 by:

Mr S Mayer, Optometrist
Christoffel Blinden Mission
Nibelungenstrasse, 124 Bensheim
D-64625, Germany.
With grateful thanks to E Molton, W Gindorfer and Dr H Bowers
for their assistance in the preparation.
The electronic version of the manual was prepared in 2006 by:

The International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH),
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7958 8166. Email: iceh@iceh.org.uk. Web: www.iceh.org.uk.
You can download the Refraction Training Manual for free from the ICEH web site:
www.iceh.org.uk.
© 2006 Mr S. Mayer & International Centre for Eye Health

This manual may be reproduced or translated provided it is not used for commercial
or personal profit. Acknowledgment should be made to the author and to ICEH.

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INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR EYE HEALTH

© 2006 Mr S. Mayer & International Centre for Eye Health

3. Vision and Visual Acuity 9

8. The Written Prescription 23

9. Neutralisation and Focimetry 24

11. Best Sphere 29

13. The Crossed Cylinder Lens 33

14. Refraction Routine 36

16. When to Prescribe 39

17. Optical Lenses 40

18. Spectacle Dispensing 41

Refraction Training Manual 1

Refraction Training Manual 2

Parallel Rays Convergent Rays Divergent Rays

Light can be REFLECTED or REFRACTED.

Refraction Training Manual 3

A prism will deviate light passing through

The FORMULA relating POWER and FOCAL LENGTH is

Refraction Training Manual 4

Refraction Training Manual 5

These CONVERGE light. They are used in

A convex lens will converge light towards a point

These will DIVERGE light. They are used in

A concave lens can be thought of as two prisms F

A concave lens diverges light as if the rays are

Refraction Training Manual 6

The correction of refractive error normally uses a combination of spherical and

Refraction Training Manual 7

Diagrammatically, we represent lenses as follows -

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Snellen Letters 6m Snellen Letters Decimal Notation Percentage

6/6 20/20 1.0 100

6/9 20/30 0.67 67

6/12 20/40 0.5 50

6/18 20/60 0.33 33

6/24 20/80 0.25 25

6/36 20/120 0.17 17

6/60 20/200 0.1 10

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Near Vision Testing

We always attempt to obtain N5 vision with each patient. However, N8 is the

Other Vision Tests

• The chart is dirty (which reduces the contrast available)

• There is poor lighting for the test

• There is a refractive error present

• If there are corneal or lenticular opacities, or retinal pathology is present

The Pinhole Disc

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Pinhole blur circles

• Corneal opacities or scarring

It is possible to make a pinhole from stiff card or thin plywood. E.g.

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There are three main classes of ametropia

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The constant effort required to maintain accommodation in hypermetropia can result

Hypermetropia in more detail

• Total Hypermetropia is the full amount of hypermetropia

• Latent Hypermetropia is the portion of the total error which is easily

• Facultative Hypermetropia is the portion that can be corrected by lenses, or

• Absolute Hypermetropia is the portion that cannot be corrected by

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Cycloplegia gives us the total hypermetropia which is therefore + 6.50 DS

Therefore, Total = Latent + Facultative + Absolute

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